Waste Line Seacock

Atalla

Atalla

Active Member
Sep 1, 2020
244
Seattle
Boat Info
2007 38 Sundancer
Engines
Twin Merc 8.1 S Horizon V-Drives
Hello folks - On the breaker board, there is the switch that powers on the waste system and then the indicator which shows how full the holding tank is. My switch is not lighting up when I power it on (little light on the switch itself - but that could just be out). I am getting the "power" light on the fill indicator indicator itself. But I'm not getting the actual gauge to light up showing the fill level of the holding tank.

The message underneath all of this says "with switch on - indicator off - check seacock."

Does anybody know which seacock this is referring to?The only seacock I can find that might be relevant is the one which would allow waste to be flushed directly into the water. That seacock at the bottomside thru hull which, for me is closed and zip-tied in that position.

I'm actually not even sure what "indicator" is referring to...the power light or the fill level gauge.

Thanks.
 
You noted the correct seacock, however there is another switch on the seacock that only turns on the pump when both the breaker panel switch and the seacock are open. This prevents accidental pump out.
 
Fred said:
You noted the correct seacock, however there is another switch on the seacock that only turns on the pump when both the breaker panel switch and the seacock are open. This prevents accidental pump out.
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I see. So does the indicator only function when that seacock is open?
 
Express 390 said:
I believe so... but not to sure on your boat!
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Opened the seacock on the waste line at the thru hull and no change to the indicator. I get the power light, the head is functioning, but I can't get the indicator to tell me the fill level of the holding tank.

If anybody has any tips, I'm all ears.
 
not sure if we have the same system, but my black water tank indicator has power when I turn on the breaker for the Master Head, and will show empty, 1/2 , FULL. Nothing to do with the seacock position (which I believe should always be closed unless you are several miles out at sea)
 
Shaps said:
not sure if we have the same system, but my black water tank indicator has power when I turn on the breaker for the Master Head, and will show empty, 1/2 , FULL. Nothing to do with the seacock position (which I believe should always be closed unless you are several miles out at sea)
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I believe we have the same system, when the master head switch is on, the "POWER" light on the indicator lights up but the empty, 1/2, full indicators do not light up at all. I can see the words are there, just no light. I wonder if it is as simple as a light bulb behind the board being out.
 
Atalla said:
I believe we have the same system, when the master head switch is on, the "POWER" light on the indicator lights up but the empty, 1/2, full indicators do not light up at all. I can see the words are there, just no light. I wonder if it is as simple as a light bulb behind the board being out.
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Apologies if this is a silly question, but are you sure you are empty?
 
Shaps said:
Apologies if this is a silly question, but are you sure you are empty?
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I do know I'm empty as I just pumped out Thursday, but wouldn't the "empty" light come on?

And to @quality time suggesting the floats are stuck, the indicator would still indicate whatever level the floats are stuck at, right?

I guess, my point is, some indication should light up regardless of the situation. Unless there is a light bulb out, I suppose.
 
@Atalla
if you are truly empty, yes, you should expect to see the empty light. Then nothing, no light whatsoever (other than power) til 1/2
and for whatever reason, for me, we go from 1/2 to FULL much quicker than EMPTY to 1/2.

However, there is no indication on that scale between EMPTY and 1/2.

EDIT:
@quality time
That's odd. For me, after a few flushes, my EMPTY goes out, and then nothing until 1/2.
 
Shaps said:
@Atalla
if you are truly empty, yes, you should expect to see the empty light. Then nothing, no light whatsoever (other than power) til 1/2
and for whatever reason, for me, we go from 1/2 to FULL much quicker than EMPTY to 1/2.

However, there is no indication on that scale between EMPTY and 1/2.

EDIT:
@quality time
That's odd. For me, after a few flushes, my EMPTY goes out, and then nothing until 1/2.
Click to expand...
Okay. This helps a bit. I may fill the tank with water from the dock and troubleshoot this a bit so I can figure out what my boats particular brand of empty, 1/2 and full are. :) Sounds like there is some variability.

Thanks, guys!
 
Sounds like a plan. Just remember to not overfill or you will kill your tank vent.
 
Shaps said:
not sure if we have the same system, but my black water tank indicator has power when I turn on the breaker for the Master Head, and will show empty, 1/2 , FULL. Nothing to do with the seacock position (which I believe should always be closed unless you are several miles out at sea)
Click to expand...

... and possible even wired shut if traveling into fresh water rivers and lakes.

-Kevin
 
Ok was the same for me ... no reading. Your floats are not reading. I fixed mine with couple of tanks of heavy No-flex. Then a full tank of fresh water to flush it all out. The no-flex sitting in the tank will do it’s job and break it up, clean it and get it working. This took me several months and some rough seas to stir it up but now my tank is clean as a whistle and my gauges work perfect. Easiest fix without having to take it all apart.
 
ocgrant said:
Ok was the same for me ... no reading. Your floats are not reading. I fixed mine with couple of tanks of heavy No-flex. Then a full tank of fresh water to flush it all out. The no-flex sitting in the tank will do it’s job and break it up, clean it and get it working. This took me several months and some rough seas to stir it up but now my tank is clean as a whistle and my gauges work perfect. Easiest fix without having to take it all apart.
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Thanks for this. I will follow this advice and see what I can see. Thanks for sharing.
 
Atalla said:
Thanks for this. I will follow this advice and see what I can see. Thanks for sharing.
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Yea you are stuck between empty and 1/2 where nothing displays on the gauge. I used to go in my engine room and shine a light on the tank so I could see how full it was. Use No-Flex and get the tank over 1/2 full so it can do its thing. Take the boat out and let it slosh around and then leave it sit. Eventually it will break it down and clean it up. I was skeptical about No-Flex and now I am a believer. I do cheat though and make my own for a lot less $$$
 
ocgrant said:
Yea you are stuck between empty and 1/2 where nothing displays on the gauge. I used to go in my engine room and shine a light on the tank so I could see how full it was. Use No-Flex and get the tank over 1/2 full so it can do its thing. Take the boat out and let it slosh around and then leave it sit. Eventually it will break it down and clean it up. I was skeptical about No-Flex and now I am a believer. I do cheat though and make my own for a lot less $$$
Click to expand...
How do you cheat and make your ownNo-flex?
 
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